Ros Kelly, Australian educator and politician, 1st Australian Minister for Defence Science and Personnel

Roslyn Joan Kelly AO, born Roslyn Joan Raw on 25 January 1948, is a highly distinguished former figure in Australian federal politics. Her career spanned over a decade, marked by significant contributions as a Member of Parliament and a Cabinet Minister in two successive Labor governments.

Parliamentary Representation of Canberra (1980-1995)

Roslyn Kelly served with distinction as a member of the Australian House of Representatives, the lower house of the Australian Parliament, for an extensive period. She represented the Division of Canberra, the electoral division encompassing much of Australia's capital city, from 18 October 1980 until her resignation on 30 January 1995. This tenure of over 14 years solidified her position as a key voice for the Australian Capital Territory within federal decision-making.

Ministerial Service in Hawke and Keating Governments

A significant highlight of Roslyn Kelly's political career was her tenure as a minister in the governments led by former Labor Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating. She held a range of crucial portfolios, demonstrating her versatility and influence:

• Minister for Defence Science and Personnel: From 13 December 1984 to 19 January 1988. Notably, she was the first woman in Australian history to hold a defence-related portfolio, marking a significant step for women in national security and government.
• Minister for the Status of Women: Concurrently with her defence role, from 13 December 1984 to 19 January 1988, where she advocated for gender equality and women's rights.
• Minister for Local Government and Administrative Services: From 13 December 1984 to 24 July 1987.
• Minister for Telecommunications and Aviation Support: From 19 January 1988 to 4 April 1990.
• Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories: Held this portfolio twice, first from 4 April 1990 to 27 December 1991, and again from 24 March 1993 to 30 January 1994. In this role, she was instrumental in environmental policy, including significant initiatives related to the protection of Australia's natural heritage, such as aspects concerning Kakadu National Park.
• Minister for Administrative Services: From 27 December 1991 to 24 March 1993, overseeing critical governmental operations, including aspects of the redevelopment of Parliament House.

Her ministerial career was marked by dedication to policy development across diverse sectors, playing a direct role in shaping national outcomes during a period of significant economic and social reform in Australia.

Post-Parliamentary Life and Recognition

While Roslyn Kelly's parliamentary career concluded in early 1995, her contributions to public life were further acknowledged. In the 2004 Australia Day Honours, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This prestigious national honour recognized her "service to the Australian Parliament and to the community, particularly through initiatives in the areas of women's affairs, the environment, arts and sport." Her legacy includes pioneering roles for women in government and advocating for key social and environmental policies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roslyn Kelly

Who is Roslyn Joan Kelly?

Roslyn Joan Kelly AO (née Raw; born 25 January 1948) is a prominent Australian former politician who served as a Member of the Australian House of Representatives for the Division of Canberra from 1980 to 1995 and held multiple ministerial portfolios in the Hawke and Keating Labor governments.

Which electoral division did Roslyn Kelly represent?

She represented the Division of Canberra, the federal electoral division covering much of Australia's capital, the Australian Capital Territory.

What significant ministerial positions did Roslyn Kelly hold?

Her key ministerial roles included Minister for Defence Science and Personnel (making her the first woman in Australia to hold a defence-related portfolio), Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories, and Minister for Administrative Services.

When was Roslyn Kelly awarded the Order of Australia?

Roslyn Kelly was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2004 Australia Day Honours for her extensive service to the Australian Parliament and community, particularly in areas like women's affairs, the environment, arts, and sport.